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Grand Hotel Leicester
S Hotels and Resorts PCL (Set: SHR)the hospitality arm of the international development company Singha Estate PCL (SET: S) has partnered with The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned accommodation business unit of CapitaLand Investment (SGX: 9CI), to reposition SHR properties in Edinburgh and Leicester under The Unlimited Collection brand.
As part of the strategic move, Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel and Grand Hotel Leicester will be rebranded as The Unlimited Collection, a brand focused on highlighting the unique cultural charm of each hotel. This collaboration marks the European debut of Singapore-based brand The Unlimited Collection.
According to a recent survey by Skyscanner, holidaymakers are increasingly drawn to cultural experiences. In fact, 54% of respondents consider culture to be an important factor when choosing a destination. Britain, known for its art, history and vibrant culture, is a natural fit for experiential travel. To capitalize on this trend, SHR has selected two hotels from its 26-hotel UK portfolio to convert into the Unlimited Collection. They join a curated selection of independent hotels in vibrant neighborhoods that feature exquisite design and meet travelers’ desire for authenticity and immersive local cultural experiences. Designed to offer a unique experience in each destination, each Unlimited Collection property is a local landmark that leads guests on fascinating personal discoveries and engaging community experiences.
By the end of 2024, the 169-room Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel in the historic heart of the Scottish capital will be renamed Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh from The Unlimited Collectionwith unrivalled views of Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh is one of Britain’s most important cities and offers some of the world’s most beautiful cityscapes. The medieval Old Town and neoclassical New Town were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. In the years following the pandemic, the city’s international airport, which handles both domestic and international flights, has seen strong demand for leisure travel.
Meanwhile, the Grand Hotel Leicester will be known as The Grand Hotel Leicester by The Unlimited Collection From Q2 2025, guests will be welcomed to experience the opulence of the Grade II listed Victorian building, which has hosted several historic events. The hotel’s 104 bedrooms and suites, restaurant and extensive conference facilities will be refurbished ahead of reopening to ensure unforgettable stays in this culturally rich Midlands city. Known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, Leicester is home to numerous galleries, museums and theatres that host a variety of events. In addition, it is of historical significance as the resting place of King Richard III, whose tomb is located in Leicester Cathedral. Conveniently located just an hour from London, Leicester offers a fascinating mix of heritage and contemporary experiences.
“Partnering with a strong hotel company like Ascott is a great strategic move for Singha Estate and S Hotels & Resorts. These iconic properties play a central role in our UK strategy and I am confident that under the Unlimited Collection umbrella they will fully realise their potential as investment properties,” said Michael Marshall, CEO, S Hotels & Resorts. “The Unlimited Collection is known for unique designs that reflect the heart and soul of the destination, making it a perfect fit with our hotels in Edinburgh and Leicester. The rebrands are key to the success of our overall UK strategy and enable us to achieve our financial targets for 2024 and beyond. Looking ahead, we plan to extend our partnership with Ascott to hotels in two other key UK cities, with the aim of increasing RevPAR by up to 30% by 2026 compared to 2023 levels.”
Kevin Goh, Chairman for Ascott and Lodging, CapitaLand Investmentsaid: “Ascott is delighted to partner with leading Asian companies such as Singha Estate and S Hotels & Resorts to gain a foothold in the European hospitality sector, a key market for Ascott’s global expansion. We are honoured that the owners have selected two of their iconic hotels to be part of the Unlimited Collection, a curated selection of heritage hotels with distinct cultural charm that meets guests’ growing demand for authentic local experiences. We will leverage Ascott’s established refurbishment capabilities to bring both hotels to market quickly while preserving their original character. We look forward to continuing to support the owners with our diverse brand portfolio, bespoke solutions and market knowledge, illustrating the strengths of Ascott’s flexible hybrid hotel-in-residence model.”
